The Richardson approach

Press, 24 February 1986, Page 12

The Richardson approach

Sir, — The five emotive and exaggerated responses (“The Press,” February 20) to Miss Richardson’s clear philosophical statement betray the extent to which Welfare State thinking has permeated our society, and the limited views which many people hold. Fundamental to these views is the belief that productive effort, skills and initiative can be endlessly shackled with the weight of welfare support without detriment to society as a whole. The burden is already far too high. Consider the enormous non-productive bureaucracy collecting taxes and distributing welfare, manipulation and abuse of the system, working people opting for welfare because they are “better off,” insidious development of on-the-side benefits in preferential treatment for Government charges, reduction of initiative and effort in productive sectors because of tax burdens. Each has a major parasitic effect on our society’s collective well-being, and in the long run 5 there are no free lunches. I wish ' other politicians had the insight and intestinal fortitude to acknowledge this and act accordingly. — Yours, etc., R. L. HEWITT, Cheviot. February 20, 1986. Sir, — I also applaud Miss Richardson for her down-to-earth return to basic free enterprise philosophy which has been a long time in the coming from the National Party. Like many others, I do not believe that all this Government interference in the economy is healthy. Like many, I believe that the user should pay. Like many, I believe that if someone has a bit of get up and go they will get up and go without the need for Government subsidies. — Yours, etc.,

M. NIEL. February 19, 1986.